Experts say the 'super rats' will need more powerful toxins to prevent them breeding

Mutant rats that are immune to traditional poisons are on the increase in Britain, according to experts.

The rodents look exactly like any other, but eat the toxic pellets and powders without being harmed - sparking worries they could breed and lead to a big increase in the rat population.

Pest control specialists said the creatures have been discovered in Kent and the Sussex towns of Eastbourne, Hastings, Battle and East Grinstead.

Although poison-resistant animals have been found before, experts have warned they will breed and spread across the country if urgent action isn't taken.

Researchers from the University of Huddersfield tested a group of the vermin and found three in four of them had built up resistance to the poisons.

"Normal rats are being killed off by poison, so these resistant species are taking their place – it’s only natural their numbers are expanding," the British Pest Control Association’s Richard Moseley told Metro.

"But they’re being found further afield than previously anticipated.

"They eat poison like feed; you might as well be leaving out grain for them."

The total amount of rats in Britain is unknown due to the speedy breeding process, but it is estimated to be around 10.5million and growing.

Experts have warned that new poisons must be found or the rats could continue to breed and eventually completely take over.